We are heading into our second year of scouting! Yes, we, not just my kids, my entire family. Heading into our second year, not only am I excited, I feel way more competent and confident going into year 2. Here is what I wish I knew a year ago.
If you are new to this, it is going to be overwhelming. There are so many terms and signs and historical knowledge that just immediately hit you in the face, proverbially of course. You will not know everything. You will search lots of terms and resources.
Budget Well- I had no idea how much supplies and uniforms cost! Books, national dues, troop dues, etc. The financial commitment is real!
Find the Right Troop- This is the key. Truthfully we started with a horrendous troop. Like, if I see the leader today, she might still catch hands for what my kids went through. Thankfully, my research skills remain top-tier and I was able to find a historically Black troop in our area. Not only did the tropp have a solid past, they had so many members invested in the future of the tropp’s longevity. The pass down supplies and uniforms, supplies and knowledge!
Get Involved- The right troop will thrive with parental involvement so you won’t be the only one present or involved. The right troop will use your strengths, train you on new skills, and communicate effectively.
Stay Involved- This part should be easy if you find the right troop. You will want to be around. You will enjoy your time watching your littles thrive and connecting with other families.
It really wasn’t until I began homeschooling that I realized how many skills are used during games and how much one can learn. It was easy to add games to our learning shelves, especially when my kids get them as gifts or I grab them at a fraction of the retail cost by shopping consignment.
You can see our math games here and our literacy games here. Here is how we use them.
One-on-One parenting time- We regularly connect with our children individually through a game. It is incredibly simple to execute- all you need is game, a little time and intentionality. The result is fun time and filled love tanks. It is a win-win if I ever saw one!
Brain breaks- My babies are Nuero-diverse and that means we have to break up our learning time and lessons for their brains and bodies to get proper proprioceptive and vestibular input. Those are fancy words for they need movement. Games provide that in a fun and engaging way. Sometimes we can even review while playing games.
Individual activities- I can often split my attention between the two and stay on top of their needs but sometimes they require more of my focus and when that happens, one can play a game while the other works with me more intently. This happens so regularly, I keep learning games all around our house for this purpose.
Every year, to welcome Summer and to say, “peace out” to our current school year, I gather up some goodies to get the summer party started! In the beginning, when James was about 2, I would lay these items on the table decoratively. For the past few years, I’ve fallen in love with the multi-use and containment of baskets and I don’t see myself stopping!
For their actual basket, I found some jelly baskets in the Target dollar spot and scooped them up as they would not only be super cute but would be useful for actual beach play. While in said dollar spot, I grabbed two personal bubble fans and sand toys.
I scooped the cute pop-it sunnies from TJ Maxx and the ice cream body sponges from Dollar Tree.
For summer morning starters and learning, I grabbed each kid a comprehensive learning workbook and journal. I couldn’t resist an affirming book to add to our library
I couldn’t not add items for Juneteenth! Each got a set of “Black Boy Joy” pajamas, a book and crafts.
I topped it off with some snacks, fun memory keeper and pennant.
For a personal touch, I made these sea star name labels with items from Dollar Tree and my silhouette.
What do you think? I linked everything I could here.
If you can’t tell, I’ve been on an Easter/DIY streak and, hence the title, it continues. Why? It came to my attention that some of you may need a little help in this arena and, as always, it is my pleasure to help you in making memories, starting traditions and not stressing. Let’s get started.
Your boo thang is either like me and could tell you exactly what they want, in what color and quantity; like my husband who never knows; or somewhere in between. I’ve devised this guide for all holidays and birthdays to save you from the mental fatigue that has plagued me.
I also completely respect if you fully recognize and embrace that you are the gift. You are not a snack, you are the whole meal and stop reading now, although, I hope you won’t.
Please grant me a few seconds to explain why this is even a thing- Our first Easter as a married couple it was brought to my attention that my husband never received an Easter Basket so, with my bleeding heart overflowing, I traced all over town putting together a basket for him only to discover he “forgot” he got them as a child. Needles to say several years went by and he got nothing!!!!! Then we had a baby and I made us all Easter baskets and it never stopped. Here is how I put them together.
Theme: A themed basket is honestly a blessing and curse. Blessing because it helps narrow down all the things you could gift, curse because rabbit holes are real and they go deep. However, themes like fitness, gaming, craft beverages, fanatic or accessories are great starting points.
Wants: I mean, if they have dropped some subtle hints or sent direct links to items, why not? This can include things they always want-a specific sock brand, athletic attire, cologne, gaming equipment- and things that are always welcomed and appreciated are a lovely basket stuffers.
Needs: Because underwear, undershirts, toothbrushes are always a great gift. This is a great opportunity to take it up a notch and maybe get a new electric toothbrush, patterned boxers, etc.
Grooming/Relaxation: This may be my favorite because you combine needs and wants and I love a gift that keeps on giving. Body wash, body cream, body oils, skin care, loofahs, gift cards for beauty treatments, manicure kits… you legit can’t go wrong here.
After Dark: I haven’t done this personally but only because I am too impatient. Lingerie, warming massage oils, lubricant, vibrator, blind fold, the options are all yours. You are the squirrel and I want you to get this nut.
Coupons: Make your own, print out a free printable, purchase some you can customize, the choices, as always, are yours. They can be for experiences, items, or time alone. You can put them in fun eggs too!
Snacks: Last but certainly not least, don’t sleep on the power of carbs and sugar. Favorite, salty, favorite, savory, favorite sweet, favorite fruity and maybe add in a little gourmet treat and BOOM! The basket is done.
You could also choose one from each of these categories and make an epic, award winning, over-the-top extraordinary basket that will have you showered in gratitude.
So, really, how is your 2021 treating you? If I’m being honest, there’s still a lot of 2020 energy floating around and lots more Pandemic-style birthdays and celebrations are happening. So, on the with the show, right?
What isn’t changing is how I do any type of celebration or gifts to my kids- NO JUNK!!! I’m the mom that does needs and practical fun items and if you looking for some ideas that are my favorite things-easy, inexpensive and cute- you’re reading the right blog. Leggo!
Something to wear: Seriously, seasons are changing and wardrobes are changing too. If your kids are like mine, they definitely need some additions. I take this opportunity to do something I couldn’t find at consignment and they would enjoy. However, I stay under $15 and have high-hopes for reselling and hand-me-downs.
This category also includes shoes. For some reason, my kids’ feet feel the need to grow entire sizes in a matter of months. For spring/summer shoes, we keep them easy and light. I also keep them low on cost because why not? This year I went with some Vans to coordinate with their dad and I. These were $25 which is a good deal for this brand.
April Showers Ready: It rains everywhere, some places more than others. I also know kids enjoy kid size umbrellas and throwing on rain jackets and rain boots. These make great additions or can even be the easter basket.
Books: If you know me at all, you know I have a problem when it comes to books. Simply put, I can’t say no. I am always on the hunt for quality books and my kids are budding book-a-holics. Books as gifts are always a hit here.
Crafts: This can be anything from crayons to a craft kit. My kids are getting personalized crayons to keep those hands busy when streaming church and a wooden box they can paint to store their watches and necklaces
Something they can do/use right away and/or Outdoor play: This is a biggie for me. There is no greater annoyance than having to drop everything to assemble something or deal with the emotions because it can’t be used. So, I get something they can use inside or out, rain or shine that doesnt require batteries or an exorbitant amount of my patience. I am pretty sure jump ropes will be a staple for the next couple years and this year I found kid-sized hoola hoops. I would also suggest skates, scooters, sidewalk chalk or card games.
Personalized Items: I mean, why not throw a monogram on a shirt ot bow? You can also add some personalized touches to items that doesnt include their name. I added these “biggie” and “smalls” caps to their easter baskets.
Summer Styling: Sunglasses, caps, swim suits,beach towels, you name it! Let’s get ready for summer fun and look cute while at it.
Everyday Essentials: Because band-aids, body wash, sponges, character toothbrushes and toothpaste are essential and will be used!
Discipleship tools: This one is near to my heart. James accepted Chtist as his savior on Easter of 2020 and I gotto be there for it and walk hum through it. I will never forget that. I marked that occasion by getting him a cross necklace but I knew then I wanted him to have tools to grow his faith and deepen his relationship. I decided on this devotional for James and this book for Jude.
I want to wrap this up by saying your easter basket will not be pinterest perfect and that is what makes it beautiful.
Disclaimer: “Blah Blah Blah” is complimentary receivedproduct.
Hi Loves!
I have another review for you today. We are a homeschooling family which means our home, values and belief dictate how we educate our kids. Not the other way around. With that, nothing comes into our home unless it offers goodness, beauty, truth and/or wonder.
This game hits all the marks. From its funny name, to multi-level and multi-person player options, to the connection and to the fun with learning. My kids ask to play this all the time.
I do have a con- the cards sometimes stick together. That’s it. To be fair, this also happens with card games that are not more than 10 years old. You can purchase this game and find more of their products here.
WAIT- There’s more you are going to want to stick around for!
Per their website, “Blah Blah Blah is a card game to integrate bite-sized learning into kids’ lives. They’ll learn: How to recognize the letters and sounds in sight words; The clear pronunciations of core sight words; How to decode words to phonics.”
On top of that, this game can be played with all reading levels! My entire family has played this several times and it is always enjoyed. My children don’t even realize this is “learning” because we all have so much fun.
Feel free to explore the product and/or purchase here.
As we are in the holiday season, this would make a great gift for littles as it can be enjoyed by many for years to come.
I’m still reveling in all the advent prep and I am tickled about all the upcoming fun. If you’ve never done before or you have to shake things up thanks to 2020, I’m sharing some easy and inexpensive gifts for advent!Just a note, I tend to theme gifts aound what we are doing that day. FOr example, if we are decorating gingerbread cookies I would gift new cookie cutters and a gingerbread book. You are free to do as you please of course, I just wabted to offer the theme suggestion for ease of planning.
Experiences: That’s right! Tickets to a drive-in show, socially distant play date or family fun day. Honestly, anything to break up the monotony and have some “surprise” fun together is always just what the doctor ordered.
Pajamas: I mean, does this even need an explanation??? For starters, everyone loves pajamas. Kids in a pajamas are adorbs and pajamas go with any movie, any popcorn, any dessert and any breakfast. They are a multi-functional staple that’s sure to have comfort and smiles abounding.
Ornament craft supplies: I see you over there cringing at the thought of glitter and to that I say, solidarity. Join me and break out the paint and embellishments to have crafted ornaments by tiny hands, sans glitter. Seriously though, we do an ornament craft every year and I love the memories even though my heart breaks seeing how fast they grow.
Holiday gear: Light up necklaces, Santa hats, elf shoes and reindeer headbands… all for $1 each and all used well during the holidays. Don’t ask me why these things also come with instant joy and wonder but for the price and ease, I’m just going to take it and run.
Books: Listen, a book can take you anywhere and teach you anything. Books create experiences and provide exposure. Books teach empathy. Can you tell I maybe love books? As we are in a pandemic, our entertainment budget is composed of, you guessed it, books! Stay tuned for ideas from Lakeisha and I from Maya’s book nook. You can also hop over to my IG and see the ones I purchased for my guys.
Wait- I didn’t say snacks because, well, they are a must for sanity in my house but a “special snack” can go a long way.
Ok, that’s all for now. I’m stoked for the next few things I’ll be sharing with you.
Let’s get ready for Advent Fun! This low-prep, ability-friendly and ethnically diverse pack walks families through the birth of Jesus with daily Bible verses and offers customizable activities for the entire family all through the Advent season.
Note: This download is for personal use. It cannot be sold, published, or hosted on other websites. If you want to share this product, please feel free to share this link shop with others. Thanks!
Graphics for this project were purchased from flaticon.com
